Sunday, December 25, 2011

"If you want to start a collection, start with a brooch because you will find most use for it. It can be pinned on a suit lapel, collar or pocket, on a hat, belt, or evening gown." - Coco Chanel

Sarah Coventry, early 1960s

Trifari, 1960s

What a smart quote! I totally agree! And if you're like me, maybe you would prefer a classic piece for everyday wear, something nice to go with style to work, to the cinema or just hang around with friends, and probably you would choose something dazzling to wear on special occasions. But a brooch is definetly a must have piece!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

35 centimetres (14 in) to 41 centimetres (16 in) long and sits high on the neck.

Princess necklace

A princess necklace is 45 centimetres (18 in) to 50 centimetres (20 in) long, longer than a choker, but shorter than a matinee.

Matinee necklace

A matinee length necklace is 56 centimetres (22 in) to 58 centimetres (23 in) long - typically a single strand that rests at the top of the cleavage.

Opera necklace

An opera necklace is 75 centimetres (30 in) to 90 centimetres (35 in) long and sits at the breastbone.

Sautoir or rope necklace

A sautoir or rope necklace is any necklace longer than opera length.

Lariat necklace

A lariat is a very, very long variation on the sautoir or rope, without a clasp, often worn draped multiple times around the neck; the ends can be crossed over, looped, or knotted in various ways. This type of necklace sometimes incorporates a loop at one or both ends to allow it to be worn in the style of a lasso, or it may be worn doubled over with the ends passed through the loop formed in the middle.

Men's necklaces do not generally use these terms, though a very short necklace is still known as a choker. Men typically call their necklaces "chains."

Friday, November 11, 2011

The Honest Vintage Pledge: Everything that I have tagged as vintage in my shop is at least twenty years old or older. I stake my reputation on it. I will never knowingly sell a fake or a repro knockoff to my customers.

I hate fake vintage, not because it is a fake but only, in most cases, because is an attempt to deceive others. Some fakes are really good an funny like the ad above :) What bothers and hate is people selling vintage style pieces as real vintage. I also hate when an item isn't even 20 years old and the seller insists in calling it "vintage".

I hate to click about 50 times in items made of coloured bronze metal with a nostalgic, romantic, vintage feel with "vintage" in their title, because they are modern, not vintage. However, they appear as "vintage" in web searches.

And, sometimes, I feel so alone, because I'm a vintage lover and most of the people don´t understand why this annoys me so much...

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Itruly believe that of all the pieces of jewelry, a pearl necklace is the only thing that a woman should not be without.

Pearls are so versatile and so easy to match with any outfit, from formal evening wear to casual day wear.

No one knows when pearls were first discovered but many believe it was long before recorded history. Long before written history, human beings most likely discovered the first pearl while searching the seashore for food.

According to Chinese folklore, pearls are the tears of a dragon. The Ancient Chinese considered natural black pearls as symbols of wisdom and thought them to be created in the brains of dragons. They believed that one had to kill the dragon to harvest the pearl, which was held safely between the dragon’s teeth.

In Roman mythology, they are the tears of Venus. It is said that the water that dropped from Venus’ body was so affected by her beauty and appeal that it ultimately formed into pearls, and that is where the pearl gains its lofty and holy status.

Pearls have often been called "The Fairies of Water" as they are the soul of beauty and love. The Myth from Persia believes that pearls are the result of different spirits’ tears. Interesting, you might say - but there are lots of myths when it comes to pearls. From the old times until today, pearls are deemed to be a gift to the earth by various spirits. Persians believed that pearls were born when a rainbow met the Earth, and any irregularities in the pearls were thought to be a consequence of thunder.

In Ancient India, people believed that pearls were made from the dew of the sun’s first rays in the morning.

The ancient Egyptians prized their pearls so much they were buried with them. Cleopatra reportedly dissolved a single pearl in a glass of wine and drank it. She did this simply to win a wager with Mark Anthony that she could consume the wealth of an entire nation in just one meal.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

My favourite combination is diamonds and pearls, even if it is zircon or strass, clear crystal with fresh water pearls, cultured or even faux pearls. Who cares! I like beautiful, classy pieces, The ones than can make you feelglamourous, elegant, on the top of the world, no matter its value.

And, of course, preferably a vintage jewelry piece, something with a soul, a story.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights was adopted by the International League of Animal Rights in 1977, proclaimed the following year. It was subsequently approved by the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in April-October, 2007.

Animal Welfare Day is observed all over the world today 4th October all over the world.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

A large majority of vintage items have been worn and are not new unless stated. So, some wear should be expected. However, it is possible to buy vintage stuff in a great condition.

I don't buy something that I consider inferior just because it has a well known brand name. If the pictures aren't clear, if I feel unsure for any reason, I prefer to ask people to specify if there is any damage or irregularities.

This glossary can serve as a guide for vintage lovers. Some sellers have similar grading systems.

New Old Stock (NOS):

Never worn or used vintage item with original store tags or packaging. Also known as Dead Stock.

Mint:

Item is in perfect original or restored condition. It is not damaged or faded in any way. All original details and decorations are intact and no alterations or changes to the original item have been made.

Excellent or near mint:

Item is intact and has been gently-worn or used without any signs of wear or damage.

Very Good:

Item is intact but the decorations or item details show some signs of wear.

Good:Item is intact but the decorations or item details may be damaged or missing.

Fair:

Item is wearable or usable but may have missing decorations.

Poor:

Design inspiration only. Item is NOT WEARABLE or USABLE due to the overall condition. Fabric or paper deterioration is evident, or the delicate condition of the item predisposes use other than display, rental for design purposes or private collection.

Sometimes the diference between "excelent" and "very good" is subjective... Because of that, if buying online, be careful and take your time to make a judgement.

My rule:I only list items which I would be happy buying or receiving myself.I try todescribe and photograph with the outmost accurately and, of course, people are free to ask me any questions.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Hazel Bishop invented the first long lasting lipstick in the 40s. Bishop worked as chemical, during the day, designing fuels for airplanes that operated in high altitudes. But, at night, she was a make-up scientist, in a manner of speaking. Using her chemistry knowledge, she spent hours and hours in the kitchen of her mother mixing diverse prescriptions of lipstick. In 1950, the fruits of its effort had been placed for sale by US$ the 1 pipe - she finalhy had finished to invent the first “lipstick to kiss proof ”, a product that would be in the lips does not matter how many kisses, cigarettes or glasses of wine passed for the lips of the user. The product contained pigments that gave color to the lips.

Monday, June 6, 2011

"I love how it feels to buy handmade, to feel a real connection to the real person that made each object. You can't buy that at the mall."

I totally agree.

and

Vintage!

Why?

1- I like to feel unique. I hate to wear the same as everybody else. Of course, nowadays it´s hard to live without ready-to-wear (or prêt-à-porter) garments. So, handmade accessories and vintage jewelry are a great way to add a personal touch.

2 - I like the connection with the person that made each object, that´s for sure, because it´s a piece with a story. But I also like the glamour to wear a piece that tells a story because it´s a part of the History.

3 - Superior quality: Vintage pieces are often a much higher quality than what you will find today. Also, handmade things are made with love and attention to detail.

4 - Green option: Although I did not start out shopping vintage or handmade to save the plane, I must say eco-friendliness is an important factor and became an ecological and philosophical statement. Most of my favourite handmade items are interesting and original ways to recycle fabrics and other materials.

5 - It's collectable: You can indulge your passion for vintage and collect from any designer, style or era. I find it very amusing and also a kind of investment. However, it is not the very first reason I like to buy vintage. I only wear what I really like and I only buy when I fall in love with a piece.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

How many brooches is too many? According to one popular American fashion magazine, it seems one cannot wear too many brooches, even pinned on all at the same time.

Wearing a large number of brooches makes a statement. The style may not be to everyone's taste, but it certainly will get the wearer noticed.

Sometimes multiple small brooches can have as much, but more subtle, visual impact, as one large, over the top brooch.

Michele Obama wearing 3 brooches

Although some may say brooches come and go, it is my personal opinion that they are one of the most classic and chic ideas in jewelry.

Wearing two brooches can be very chic and just right, when one isn't quite enough and three are a bit too much. I'm especially enamored of the look of wearing two brooches that are an exact match except as to color.

With their timeless appeal and feminine elegance, brooches instantly dress up any outfit for a very put together appearance.